It's just that you are unlucky to bump into pyshopaths. They suck up your energy slowly until you are too late to realize. It's a lesson that everyone should be aware of. I'm glad that you jumped the boat quickly.
Even donation to charitable foundations is dubious to me. I have no idea where/what they are going to use the money, even though they promise on certain contribution. In personal opinion, instead of providing financial aids, i would say providing working opportunity is better for their future, as they will be more skillful and independent.
Apps definitely. I'm using Saved, fairly new iOS app. It has clean graft, pie chart and a list of expenses in week/month mode. But the main benefit is speed. Saved takes seconds to use at any point, especially during entering figures and immediately get a clear overview of what's going on. I strongly recommend this app, if only you don't demand it syncs with credit card.
https://www.snappymob.com/saved/
When the office space has an area for coffee making, and it's open, it's true that it's disturbing. Imagine there are 10 people in the office and everyone is making one cup of coffee every morning, you will at least get disturbed for 10 times. It's not just the office, i think sometimes we will go to a cafe and work there instead. It's not the crowd that it's disturbing, but it's the noise from the coffee machine.
I used to have back pain and i suspected the way i sit was not proper. Wait until I go to gym and mainly focus on yoga, it improves alot. I think having a strong muscle on back is quite essential.